Semiconductor News 20260113

Main News

1. Elon Musk Vows to Build 2nm Semiconductor Plant
   Elon Musk has vowed to build his own 2nm semiconductor plant, pointing out that existing cleanroom designs in the industry are flawed. The move is aimed at innovation in next-generation chip manufacturing. Meanwhile, Samsung has also reportedly received a $550 million state loan for chip manufacturing equipment, intensifying competition for advanced processes. Mask’s entry could have a major impact on the structure of the traditional semiconductor industry.
2. TSMC to Name First General Plant Manager to Strengthen Advanced Packaging
   TSMC is expected to name its first general plant manager as it expands its advanced packaging business to include CoWoS technology. The company has also raised the possibility of reallocating some 45- to 90-nm mature node capacity to CoWoS-related manufacturing to meet AI demand, highlighting the rapid pace at which the company is strengthening its back-end as well as front-end systems to address the supply shortage of AI chips.
3. Samsung Electronics Rec laims Top Spot in Global DRAM Market
   Samsung Electronics has reclaimed the top spot in the global DRAM market with record quarterly earnings, driven by growing demand for AI servers, and a recovery in memory is expected to be the axis of growth in Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing in 2025. Memory recovery is expected to be the axis of growth in Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing in 2025. On the other hand, the impact of DDR5 capacity expansion on other products has been noted, and the price trend for HBM3e is expected to strengthen in 2026.
4. China’s Domestic Production Rate of Semiconductor Equipment Surpasses 35% Target for 2025
   The domestic adoption rate of semiconductor equipment in China is on pace to surpass the 35% target set for 2025. This growth is being driven by major players such as NAURA and AMEC, which are becoming increasingly self-sufficient under US regulations. In addition, forecasts for 2026 indicate that China will take its own path of de-NVIDIA, reducing its dependence on NVIDIA chips, while Japanese companies will have more commercial opportunities for equipment supply.
5. Micron Forecasts Severe Memory Shortage to Last Until 2028
   Micron has forecast that the tight supply and demand for DRAM will continue until at least 2028. Although major OEMs are working to maintain their reach in the market, supply shortages are expected to be unavoidable. In response to this situation, HP is exploring Chinese memory suppliers as an alternative. Memory shortages have affected a wide range of sectors, from AI servers to consumer PCs, and have also led to a 30% increase in memory OSAT prices.
6. Qatar and UAE in Middle East Join U.S.-led Semiconductor Supply Chain Agreement
   Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have decided to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led supply chain agreement. The agreement aims to strengthen the security of semiconductors and critical technologies. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the integration of Middle Eastern countries into the U.S. technology sphere has further accelerated the reorganization of global supply chains. This is expected to lead to increased AI infrastructure development and semiconductor investment in the region.
7. Rapidus to Reduce Semiconductor Design Costs by 30% by Using Gener ative AI
   Japan’s Rapidus plans to reduce design costs by 30% by introducing semiconductor design support that uses generative AI. As noted by Gokami, former president of the University of Tokyo, attention is also focused on whether Japan can overcome the challenges it has faced in the semiconductor field. Other examples include Tohoku University’s development of low-cost ceramic sintering technology using sodium vapor, and other efforts in Japan to enhance cost competitiveness through technological innovation in both the manufacturing and design of next-generation semiconductors.
8. China Suggests Rare Earth Export Restrictions to Japan, Murata Manufacturing Says No Impact
   The Chinese government has moved to play the rare earth export restriction card against Japan. In response, Murata Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), announced that its production will not be affected at this time. Murata’s president, Mr. Nakajima, emphasized the company’s commitment to stay ahead of the competition in the area of electronic components for AI by leveraging quality and stable supply. Risk management of supply networks is a key factor that determines competitiveness in the AI market.
9. FCC Approves Launch of 7,500 Additional Starlink Satellites
   The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the launch of 7,500 additional Starlink Gen2 satellites operated by SpaceX. This approval will enable faster communications and lower latency network provision around the world. The expansion of satellite communications infrastructure is fundamental to support the proliferation of edge AI devices and digitalization in remote areas. The dramatic improvement in the communications environment is also expected to create new demand for semiconductors.
10. South Korea’s New Policy to Accelerate Production of SiC and GaN Power Semiconductors
    The South Korean government is promoting a new policy to accelerate the production of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power chips. These next-generation power semiconductors are key technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy efficiency improvements. High goals have also been set for future AGI (general-purpose artificial intelligence) research in Korea, and the country is strengthening its national support system for everything from manufacturing to R&D. The battle for leadership in the power semiconductor field is becoming clearer.

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